Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced in Parliament on Monday that the government is developing a specific policy to regulate the estimated 50-80 lakh electric three-wheelers, including battery-powered rickshaws and easy bikes, in an effort to introduce discipline into the sector.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister’s statement was made in response to a notice by BNP lawmaker Rahana Akter Ranu under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure, which called for measures to control the unregulated movement of battery-run rickshaws. Salahuddin highlighted the importance of these vehicles in urban and rural transport due to their low fares and convenience, while also addressing the challenges they pose, such as electricity management, road safety, and environmental concerns.
The minister pointed out that the simultaneous charging of a large number of vehicles is straining the power distribution system. He also cited health and environmental risks from the unsafe handling and recycling of lead-acid batteries. Salahuddin noted that electric three-wheelers consume about 5 percent of the country’s total electricity, with only 3,300 legal charging points available, compared to over 48,000 informal ones in Dhaka. This discrepancy results in significant revenue loss for the government due to unauthorized electricity use.
Salahuddin shared alarming road safety statistics, stating that battery-run rickshaws were involved in 13.54 percent of the 6,729 road accidents recorded in 2025, which resulted in 911 deaths and 14,812 injuries. In response to these issues, the government has started joint operations with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and other agencies to disconnect illegal electricity connections and prosecute those involved.
The proposed policy aims to implement a licensing system for auto-rickshaws, including number plates, driver registration through QR codes, and phased driver training. These measures are expected to reduce traffic congestion, establish road discipline, and enhance road safety. Additionally, AI-based cameras installed at traffic signals have shown positive results in controlling vehicle movement, with plans to expand their use.
Ranu emphasized the need for regulations rather than a complete ban on battery-run rickshaws, arguing that many livelihoods depend on the sector. She highlighted the need for design improvements, number plates, driver licenses, and adherence to specific rules to ensure safety and order on the roads.
In response, Salahuddin assured that the policy would consider employment, environmental protection, and traffic management. The government plans to introduce safer, environmentally-friendly batteries and digital tracking linked to registration numbers to combat illegal activities and revenue losses associated with informal charging stations.